Plans for new hospital in Fort William submitted

NHS Highland has submitted plans for a new hospital in Fort William.

The £137m building would replace the town's 60-year-old Belford Hospital, which is no longer fit for purpose.

Located in the Blar Mhor area, the new building would have a modern accident and emergency department as well as surgical operating theatres.

Among the other facilities would be a radiology department, a renal unit and maternity ward.

It is more than 10 years since land was bought for the new hospital and there has been frustration among local people about delays.

Last month, the Scottish government said its Budget plans included investment in the Belford Hospital replacement scheme as part of wider spending on health projects.

NHS Highland, which is working with contractors Balfour Beatty and Keppie Design, is developing its outline business case for the project.

The health board it said the new hospital would meet the evolving needs patients, staff and visitors.

NHS Highland previously suggested that construction could potentially start in October 2027.

NHS Highland said the design of the new hospital reflected a commitment to creating a "welcoming, sustainable and resilient environment".

Chief executive Fiona Davies said the submission of the planning application was a "truly exciting moment".

She said: "This project has been shaped by listening carefully to patients, staff and local people, and it is wonderful to see that vision now formally presented for planning consideration.

"The new hospital will support the transformation of health and social care in this area for generations to come, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners and the community as we take the next steps forward."

Dr Michael Foxley from the Lochaber Health and Social Care Redesign Stakeholders' Group said he was "very pleased" to see the planning application submitted.

"It's another step forward but there are some details that we are still pushing for," he said.

"We need to make sure there is sufficient car parking. There is to be a meeting about that in a few weeks time."

He added: "We are still pushing for a separate endoscopy room and the big thing is to make sure there is an adequate place of safety for people with mental health problems or drug and alcohol problems."

The Scottish government said it was "fully supportive" of NHS Highland developing its plans to replace the Belford Hospital.

A spokesperson added: "We look forward to receiving their outline business case later this year and we are providing the necessary funding to take forward this proposal."